Tours & Fun in Huacachina

Best tours in huacachina.

We are "Desert Adventure" , the founders of the " Famous Buggy and Sandboarding Tour in Huacachina " . We would like to present to you, what we feel are the best tours and tour packages available here in Huacachina. We offer tours in Huacachina, tours in Ica, and tours in Paracas, in which you will enjoy a variety of really nice tours and excursions like Desert Camping , Sandboarding , Dune Buggy Rides , Virgin Ica Beach Trip , Countryside Winery Tour , Ballestas Islands Tour , Paleontology Tour in the Ocucaje Desert , and others.

Here you will find all the information you need to know about the local tours that are offered in and around Huacachina and Ica. Browse the links on the top of each page to find exactly what you are looking for. Also, tour prices are posted under each of the tour's description.

There are many tour companies, and tour guides in Huacachina, but not all can offer you and your guests the experience that our company has been rendering for many years. We do our best to provide clean and safe tours for people visiting this beautiful little desert town called Huacachina. We are confident that you'll find our tours and services are above the normal local standards, and we'd love to have you as our next satisfied customer.

If you would like to plan your trip in advance, you can make a tour reservation or book a tour online with Desert Adventure. To make a tour reservation, simply fill out the contact form found on the bottom of the each tour's page. We will be happy to help you, and we will respond to your questions, comments, or reservation requests promptly.

Come have some fun!

Top 5 tours, trips, & things to do in huacachina.

Sandboarding in Huacachina

Group Sunset Buggy Tours

Overnight Desert Camping Trips

Snowboard Rentals & Instruction

Private Dune Buggy Tours

  • Tours Machu Picchu
  • Tours Inca Trail
  • Tours for Peruvians
  • Tours popular
  • Tours Sacred Valley
  • Tours Mountain 7 colors
  • Tours in Peru
  • Tours in Lima
  • Tours in Arequipa
  • Tours in Puno
  • Tours in Ica
  • Tours in La Libertad
  • Tours in Lambayeque
  • Tours in Piura
  • Tours in Ancash
  • Tours in Madre de Dios
  • Tours Family
  • Tours adventure
  • Tours Inti Raymi
  • Tours in Ayacucho
  • Tours in San Martín
  • Tours in Amazonas
  • Tours Discounted
  • Machu Picchu the Inca wonder
  • Inca Trail the trail of the Incas
  • Customs and traditions
  • Natural Landscapes
  • All about Machu Picchu
  • Sports and other activities
  • Archaeological sites
  • Information for your trip
  • Book Cusco and Machupicchu
  • Inti Raymi Magazine
  • Mountain 7 Colors Magazine
  • PLANNING MY TRIP
  • Whatsapp: + 51 982108083
  • Phone: + 51 84 207064
  • Awards and recognitions

Huacachina Tour and Pisco Route in Ica Half Day

tours ica huacachina

About this tour

  • Start: With the pick up from the tourist’s hotel (in Ica or Paracas) at approximately 1 in the afternoon.
  • Duration: 5 hours.
  • Tour guide: Professional guide in Spanish and English.
  • Tourist attractions to visit Huacachina Oasis, Pisco route (Ica vineyards).
  • Type of transport: Comfortable and safe tourist transportation.
  • Tickets (included): Entrance to all tourist attractions described.
  • Optional: Tourist lunch and adventure sports in Huacachina (sandboarding, buggy).
  • Payment methods: Visa, American Express, Diners Club, PayPal, MasterCard.
  • Immediate confirmation.

Description

  • Meet the Huacachina in Ica, one of the best tourist attractions in Peru . The Ica Full Day tour includes a visit to the Huacachina oasis, as well as the best vineyards in the city, where tourists can taste the best Peruvian wines and piscos. The tour offers pick up from the visitor’s hotel, full round trip tourist transportation, entrance to all tourist attractions, wine and pisco tasting, professional tour guide (in Spanish or English) and return to your hotel. The tour starts at 1 in the afternoon and ends at approximately 6 in the afternoon.

This is the experience

  • The Huacachina and Pisco Route tour is the tour that every tourist should take when visiting Ica. The tour is only half a day (lasts 5 hours) and includes hotel pick-up, full transportation, professional guide, entrance fees, and more. The tourist will know one of the most beautiful landscapes of Peru. Optionally, you can practice adventure sports such as sandboarding and buggy rides, as well as enjoy the best wines and piscos of the region on the tour through the best vineyards in Ica. All within a well organized and safe tour.
  • The Huacachina and Pisco Route tour in Ica begins with the tourist’s pick-up from their hotel at approximately 1 in the afternoon. The pick up is valid for tourists in Paracas and Ica. Before the day of the tour, coordination is made for the exact time and place of pick-up.
  • On board a modern tourist transport, tourists will travel through the beautiful landscapes of Ica where the immense vineyards stand out . The first tourist destination to visit will be a traditional artisanal vineyard where the tourist will learn about the process of making wine and pisco (Peru’s national brandy).
  • At the end, the visitor will be able to taste a sample of the most exquisite wines and piscos of the region.
  • Then, the tourist will have free time to have lunch (not included in the tour). The restaurant offers the best of the gastronomy of the Ica region.
  • Then, once again aboard the tourist transport, we will leave for the Huacachina oasis in the city of Ica. There we will walk through the desert to get the best photographs of this spectacular landscape, one of the most beautiful and famous in Peru.
  • Optionally (not included in the tour) we can do the sports activities offered in the Huacachina: sandboarding, buggy ride and more .
  • In the Huacachina oasis we will be able to appreciate one of the most beautiful sunsets in Peru. The oasis was formed by the waters of an underground river in the desert.
  • Finally we will board the tourist transport to return to our hotel in Ica or Paracas. The tour ends at the door of the hotel between 6 and 7 at night.
  • Pick up from the tourist’s hotel (in the city of Ica or Paracas)
  • Complete tourist transport (during the entire tour).
  • Professional tour guide in Spanish or English .
  • Entrance to all tourist attractions to visit.
  • Wine and pisco tasting in the vineyards of Ica.
  • Return to the tourist’s hotel (in the city of Ica or Paracas).
  • Tour cancellation option.
  • Option to change the tour date.
  • Flights or food not described.
  • Tourist lunch.
  • Sports in Huacachina (sandboarding, buggy ride).

What to bring?

  • Passport or identity document.
  • Light comfortable clothing (polo shirt, shorts, sunglasses).
  • Photo camera.
  • Snacks and rehydrating drinks.

Where does the tour start and end?

  • The tour begins with the pick up of the visitor at the door of their hotel in the city of Ica or in the city of Paracas (pick up at approximately 1 pm).
  • The tour concludes with the return of the visitor at the door of his hotel in Lima at approximately 6 pm.

How to prevent altitude sickness?

  • Ica is a region that is located at 406 meters above sea level, so there are no symptoms of altitude sickness .

Group or private services

  • Do you want to do the Huacachina and Pisco Route Half Day tour in private service? Contact [email protected] or (+51) 982 108 083.

Frequent questions

What are the tourist attractions included in the huacachina and pisco route tour in ica.

The tour includes a visit to the Huacachina oasis, one of the most visited landscapes in Peru. In addition, the visit to the vineyards of the Ica region where you can taste wines and piscos (Pisco route).

What are the tourist services included in the Huacachina and Pisco Route tour in Ica?

The tour includes pick up from the hotel (in Ica or Paracas), complete tourist transport, professional tourist guide, entrance to the different tourist attractions and return to the hotel.

How long does the Huacachina and Pisco Route in Ica last?

The tour lasts approximately 5 hours. It begins with the visitor’s pick up at their hotel in Ica or Paracas at approximately 1 pm. It ends with the return of the tourist to his hotel at 6 pm (or later if the hotel is in Paracas).

Can the Huacachina and Pisco Route tour in Ica be cancelled?

Yes, the Huacachina and Pisco Route tour in Ica can be cancelled. For this you must send a request to [email protected]. The cancellation of the tour has a penalty of 25% of the value of the tour (75% refund). The last deadline is 5 days before.

Can I change the date of the Huacachina and Pisco Route tour in Ica?

Yes, the Huacachina and Pisco Route in Ica Half Day tour can be modified in date or members of the service. The modification of the tour is requested to [email protected]. The modification has a penalty of 10% of the value of the tour (last term 5 days before).

How do I pay for the Huacachina and Pisco Route in Ica Half Day tour?

The payment of the tour is made online through the transaction of 100% of the value of the service . Payment is made using our web platform. The transaction is made with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club or PayPal credit or debit cards.

Can I do the tour to Huacachina and Ruta del Pisco starting from Lima?

Yes, the tour can also be done starting from the city of Lima. However, the service lasts 16 hours. The tourist attractions to visit are: Paracas, Ballestas Islands, Huacachina and Ica vineyards. For more information contact [email protected].

What is the Huacachina oasis? Why visit it?

La Huacachina is a natural oasis in the coastal desert of Peru (5 kilometers from the city of Ica) formed by underground currents, which created exuberant vegetation in the middle of the sand. It is one of the most visited landscapes in Peru. It is famous for its sunset, its natural beauty, as well as the practice of adventure sports such as sandboarding and buggy rides.

Related tours

Tour Ica 1 day from Lima

Ica Full Day Tour – Paracas and Huacachina – from Lima

Nazca Lines Tour

Nazca Lines Tour from Lima Full Day

Tour a Machu Picchu Full Day con Todo Incluido

Nazca Lines Tour from Paracas

  • Destinations
  • Planning my trip
  • Booking your experiencie with us
  • Call Us: 🇺🇲 +1 954 332 6090

Adventure on Perú

  • Search for:

Peru’s Bucket List

Cusco Top Destination in Peru

Capital of the Inca Empire.

Nazca Top Destination in Peru

Mystery of the Desert.

Puno Top Destination in Peru

Gateway to the Lake Titicaca.

Customize Your Travel Preferences !

Best Of Cusco Trip

Best of Cusco

Welcome to our exclusive 7-Day Travel Package, The Best of Cusco, a meticulously ....

Peru Adventure Trip

Peru Adventure

Embark on a thrilling 8-day journey through Peru’s most iconic destinations.....

Andean Discovery Trip

Andean Discovery

Embark on an unforgettable 10-day journey through Peru’s Andean heartland....

  • Peru Popular Trips

Highlights of Peru Trip

  • Highlights of Peru

Highlights of Peru is an extraordinary 16-day travel package...

Exploring Peru Trip

Exploring Peru

Embark on an extraordinary 14-day journey through the heart of Peru, where every ....

Peru Express Trip

Peru Express

Discover the best of Peru in just 11 day with our remarkable Peru Express trip...

  • Inspirations

No products in the cart.

Return to shop

Tour to Huacachina Oasis

Machu Picchu, Incan marvel nestled in the Peruvian Andes, epitomizes the grandeur of pre-Columbian architecture and culture.

TOUR TO HUACACHINA OASIS

“Embark on the ultimate adventure with our private ‘Tour to Huacachina Oasis’ from Lima. Experience the thrill of dune buggy rides, the excitement of sandboarding, delve into history at the Ica museum, and savor the essence of Pisco at a local vineyard, all-in-one day of awe-inspiring experiences.”

“Journey to the Oasis: A Day of Sand and Sun in Huacachina”

Pisco vineyard visits: sip the spirit of peru..

Explore the essence of Peru’s famed grape brandy, Pisco, amidst the lush vineyards, and indulge in a tasting session that unveils the secrets of its artisanal craftsmanship.

Ica Museum: Unravel Ancient Mysteries

Journey through time at the Ica Museum, where history comes alive through ancient artifacts, mummies, and Nazca ceramics, offering a captivating glimpse into Peru’s rich cultural heritage.

Visit to the Vineyards of Pisco.

Huacachina Oasis: Escape to Desert Paradise

Uncover the enchantment of Huacachina, where a tranquil oasis emerges amidst towering sand dunes. Delve into an adventure-filled escape, where surreal landscapes and thrilling experiences await, promising unforgettable memories amidst the beauty of the desert.

Dune Buggy Adventure: Unleash Your Desert Spirit

Explore the magic of Huacachina Oasis, where towering dunes and tranquil waters create a surreal desert escape. Dive into thrilling adventures and unforgettable moments amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Panoramic view of the Huacachina Oasis.

Sandboarding: Feel the Rush, Conquer the Dunes

Feel the rush of adrenaline as you conquer the towering dunes on a sandboard, whether you’re a novice or an expert, it’s an exhilarating experience that promises unforgettable memories.

Spectacular Sunset Views

Witness nature’s masterpiece as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the desert sky with hues of gold and crimson, a breathtaking finale to an extraordinary day of exploration.

Sandboarding experience in Huacachina Desert.

Trip Summary

Embark on a thrilling adventure with our “Tour to Huacachina Oasis” from Lima, starting with door-to-door service at 7:30 am. Discover the oasis, indulge in Pisco tastings, explore the Ica Museum, and conquer the sand dunes with dune buggy rides and sandboarding. Experience the best of Peru’s desert wonders, all in one unforgettable day trip from Lima.

tours ica huacachina

Starting Point

Your hotel in Lima.

tours ica huacachina

Departure Time

tours ica huacachina

Return Time

Route map to huacachina.

Map of the Tour to Huacachina Oasis from Lima

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

tours ica huacachina

Convenient Door-to-Door Service

Our door-to-door service ensures a hassle-free experience, starting and ending in the city of Lima, right from your hotel, allowing travelers to relax and enjoy every moment without worrying about logistics.

tours ica huacachina

Freedom to Explore

Our tour offers the freedom for travelers to discover the Huacachina Oasis at their leisure. With guided assistance and flexible schedules, adventurers can soak in the breathtaking scenery and explore the desert’s wonders at their own pace.

tours ica huacachina

All-Inclusive Experience

Our tour offers a comprehensive experience, covering transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, lunch, and more, providing excellent value for money and eliminating the need for additional planning.

tours ica huacachina

Expert Guided Experience

Throughout the journey, travelers are accompanied by knowledgeable English-speaking guides from Lima to the trip’s conclusion. This ensures they receive expert insights and assistance, enriching their exploration of the Huacachina desert.

FULL DESCRIPTION Tour to Huacachina Oasis

Part I: Travel by private car to Ica – Visit the Vineyards of Pisco. 07:30 h. Our tour begins at your hotel in Lima, our local guide will pick you up from there. Shortly afterward we will drive to the south, towards the city of Ica. 12:00 h. Upon arrival in Ica, we visit a small vineyard, where locals produce Pisco, a grape brandy. At the vineyard, we will learn about the traditional method of making Pisco. Additionally, our clients will participate in a Pisco tasting session.

Part II: Visit the Regional Museum of Ica. Shortly afterward, we will visit the Museum of Ica. This interesting building houses the remains of ancient cultures dating back to 200 BC. The museum displays old textiles, deformed skulls, cranial surgery, and mummy bundles. Likewise, you will also see colorful Nazca ceramics, most of them reflecting ancient life. Additionally, you also can see old musical instruments, as well as weapons and would carvings. Afterward, we will head towards the Huacachina Oasis.

Part III: Dune Buggy Tour around the Desert of Huacachina. Upon arrival in Huacachina Oasis, we join a desert tour with a buggy machine. During the ride, we will make some stops along the way for photos. There will be some points where you will have the chance to practice Sandboarding. Before you start, our guide will teach you specific techniques to ensure a safe ride. We will sandboard till the sun sets, take good photos, and then return to the oasis. Finally, we will drive back to Lima. 22:00 h. Upon arrival, our driver will drop you off at your hotel.

End of the tour.

tours ica huacachina

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What’s Included

  • 07:30 h. Pick up from your hotel in Lima.
  • Private transportation: Lima – Ica – Lima.
  • 12:00 h. Arrival in Ica. Visit the vineyards of Pisco.
  • 13:00 h. Free time for lunch. Lunch included at a tourist restaurant.
  • 14:30 h. Guided tour at the Regional Museum of Ica.
  • 16:00 h. Dune Buggy & Sandboarding tour in Huacachina.
  • Professional driver & Entrance fees.
  • 18:00 h. Return to Lima.
  • 22:00 h. Arrival in Lima. Drop off at your hotel.

Extras & Gratitude.

Boat & Land Transport Information

Land transport.

Transport Mystery Peru tour

Private Vehicle

All Equipped with Air Conditioning

  • 2 people – Sedan Car.
  • 3 to 5 people – H-1 Van.
  • 6 to 15 people. Sprinter Van.
  • 16 to 30 people – Bus.

Desert Transport

Huacachina Dune Buggy Machine

Dune Buggy Machine

4×4 vehicle for the desert

  • Seating for up to 10 passengers.
  • Skilled dune buggy driver.
  • Safety gear for all passengers.
  • Sandboards provided for sandboarding fun.

DID YOU KNOW ?

tours ica huacachina

About the Ancient Deformed Skulls in Peru

The Ica Museum features an astonishing array of artifacts, including head deformations, mummies, and evidence of trepanation, an ancient surgical practice. These discoveries shed light on the medical knowledge and techniques of ancient civilizations, providing a fascinating glimpse into their understanding of healing and anatomy.

tours ica huacachina

Pisco Grape Spirit

Pisco, Peru’s iconic grape brandy, is steeped in history and crafted in coastal regions like Lima and Ica. With diverse grape varieties and strict production standards, Pisco offers a taste of Peruvian culture worldwide. Protected by Denomination of Origin status, it symbolizes heritage and craftsmanship, enjoyed globally in cocktails and culinary creations.

Customer Reviews

Tour to Huacachina Oasis Review 1

“Mystery Peru set up a great trip for us to the Huacachina Oasis. The dune buggy excursion was really fun! The Oasis is as beautiful and unique as it appears in the photos. And the Pisco tour and tasting was much more fun than we had expected. We had a great time!

tours ica huacachina

We chose our trip by internet and chose the wrong date by mistake. The agency did what was necessary so we can go to our tour the date we had available. They were extremelly nice on arranging things for us at the last minute. Our driver Felix was great, very informative, kind and considered!

Ready to Book this trip ?

Booking your trip is quick and easy.

Click on the buttom to see how.

Trip Essentials

Unfortunately, due to the nature of the activities and the terrain in the desert, the tour may not be wheelchair accessible.

Video About the Tour in Huacachina Oasis

From: US $ 295

Select your tour date.

  • Destinations
  • Family Vacation
  • Solo Travel
  • Inspiration

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Lost your password?

English

  • Tours in Cusco
  • Tours in Ica
  • Machu Picchu Vacation Packages

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Lost your password? Remember me

Full Day Ica and Huacachina

Ica Huacachina Full Day

  • Salidas diarias
  • Servicio grupal
  • Guía de turismo
  • Cancelación gratis (24hrs)
  • Recojo desde hotel

¿Por qué amarás el Full Day Ica and Huacachina?

  • Tubing and sandboarding tour.
  • Wineries and Vineyards Tour & Visit to Huacachina Lagoon.
  • We are 100% local operators.
  • Inicio 10:00 hrs. aprox.
  • Fin 18:40 hrs. aprox.

Among our tours in Ica , you can not miss the Full Day Tour Ica and Huacachina , in the department of Ica, known as the city of the “eternal sun”. In this tour we will visit the winery El Catador , a semi artisan winery where you will receive a brief explanation of the traditional process of making Pisco , then you can enter their house where you can taste their Piscos, wines and handmade products that are produced there. In the Tacama Winery , you will be able to visit their vineyards, the great hacienda and taste their best wines and Pisco. Then comes the Huacachina Tour, where the magical Huacachina Lagoon will be waiting for us at the end of the tour of wineries and vineyards. Next, we will embark on a tubular adventure tour in Ica. On this tour, we will make stops in the high dunes to practice the sport of sandboarding. You will have time to take spectacular photos of the sunset in the desert of Huacachina in Ica .

Day 1. Ica Tour: Wineries and Vineyards, Tubulares, Huacachina Lagoon, Tubulares Pick up from the bus station or door of your hotel to start the Ica and Huacachina Tour .

10.00 hrs. Beginning of the Vineyards Tour in Ica. Hacienda Tacama: we will be able to learn about the wine and Pisco elaboration process of this old Hacienda. We will have the opportunity to taste their wines. Bodega El Catador: Here we will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional process of making Pisco and wine. We will have the opportunity to taste Piscos and products made from it. Bodega Lazo: This small and traditional winery of the city will be a surprise for you!

14.00 hrs. Lunch in Ica (optional).

16.30 hrs. Start of the Huacachina Tour, Tubing in Ica, Sandboarding in Huacachina. We will meet at the oasis of America, the Huacachina Lagoon, and then we will board tubulars that are located in a small dune.

During the tour we will be able to go up and down huge sand dunes and on the high parts we will be able to slide on sandboards in Ica .

18.40 hrs. Transfer to your hotel or to the bus station in Ica.

End of our services

¿Qué incluye?

  • Visit to Tacama Winery & Vineyard.
  • Visit to Catador Winery.
  • Tubing and sandboarding tour 01 hour.
  • Professional guide service English – Spanish.
  • Tourist mobility.

¿Qué no incluye?

  • Meals except as mentioned.
  • Tourist tax in Huacachina (S/.3.60).
  • Entrance fee to Tacama (S/.25.00).
  • Extra expenses.

Recomendaciones

Before booking

  • Daily departures.
  • Minimum 2 participants required.
  • Not valid for holidays or festive dates.
  • On Mondays the Tacama Winery is not open so we will visit the Vista Alegre Winery.

Before traveling

  • Professional camera or cell phone with good resolution to take excellent pictures.
  • Hat or cap to protect you from the sun.
  • Sunscreen and/or moisturizer for face and body.
  • Cash in local currency, preferably small bills and coins.
  • Requisitos legales y de seguridad antes de viajar

Preguntas frecuentes

What other activities can i do in ica, what is the weather like in ica, how long is the full day tour in ica, what is our cancellation policy.

$ 55.00

Testimonios de viajeros

Ventas: +51 931 929 535 Operaciones: +51 932 285 936 Emergencias: +51 987 312 403 [email protected] Av. Huaynacapac 112-A, Wanchaq, Cusco Av. Angela Perotti 198 – Huacachina

Select your currency

PEN

  • Privacy Policy
  • Join our Team
  • Let's be partners
  • Content creator
  • Tour Operadores
  • Marketing Kit
  • Attractions
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Protection of personal data
  • Reservation policies
  • Complaint book
  • Machu Picchu Tours
  • Login / Register

tours ica huacachina

Tours en Ica

Ica, conocida por su cálido clima está localizada en la costa sur del Perú en una zona desértica, tierra de uvas y de los más preciados vinos que se producen en el país, además de ser la principal productora de nuestro aguardiente de uva conocida como Pisco. Visite La Ruta del Pisco y experimente junto a las bodegas vitivinícolas como Vista Alegre, Tacama y Ocucaje la cata de sus mejores productos.

Asentada en medio del desierto tenemos La Laguna de Huacachina rodeada de dunas, palmeras y árboles de huarangos, el lugar ideal para el descanso y la aventura en el desierto en los carros areneros, donde quedara impresionado por el hipnótico paisaje de grandes dunas y el esperado sunset al finalizar el día.

tours ica huacachina

Campamento de lujo en el desierto de Ica desde Ica

tours ica huacachina

Campamento de lujo en el desierto de Ica desde Lima

tours ica huacachina

Cena en el desierto de Ica

tours ica huacachina

Laguna de Huacachina y Tubulares desde Ica

tours ica huacachina

Tubulares y Sandboarding desde Ica

tours ica huacachina

Tour Viñedos y Rutas del Pisco

tours ica huacachina

Paseo Islas Ballestas desde Ica

tours ica huacachina

Huacachina: Visit The Most Stunning Oasis In Peru

  • Huacachina is the only oasis in South America and is a must-visit destination in Peru known for its therapeutic waters and sandboarding on the surrounding sand dunes.
  • The village of Huacachina is a small oasis located just outside of Ica, Peru. It attracts thousands of tourists every year and offers activities such as sandboarding and riding dune buggies.
  • Apart from the oasis, the area around Ica is famous for its vineyards and pisco, which is the national drink of Peru. The oasis has its own legend, with various versions about its formation involving a native princess and mermaids.

Huacachina claims to be the only oasis in South America, and it is one of the most eye-catching natural attractions in Peru. It turns out there is much more to Peru than the Inca ruins of the Andean mountains ; take the time to explore the desert lowlands as well. Seeing the oasis of Huacachina and sandboarding around it is one of the amazing adventures to have on the bucket list in Peru .

Besides the many Inca and pre-Inca ruins (such as the forgotten desert city of Chan Chan) , Peru is home to a breathtaking amount of spectacular landscapes. Elsewhere in the world, one of the most stunning desert oases is the Guelta d'Archei oasis in Chad , the home of camels and crocodiles. In Peru, the most noteworthy (and apparently only ) desert oasis is Huacachina. Here's what to know about Huacachina and how to visit.

Huacachina: The 'Only Desert Oasis In South America'

The little village of Huacachina is a small yet dramatic oasis that is bounded by sand dunes on all sides. It is located just three miles out of the city of Ica in southwestern Peru. It attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. Huacachina has a permanent population of around a hundred people.

  • Dune Size: Up to 1,600 feet or 500 meters

According to the locals, the water and mud of the area of Huacachina are therapeutic. It is popular for both locals and tourists to bathe in the waters and cover themselves in mud. People claim it helps cure ailments like rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, and arthritis.

Related: Forget Machu Picchu: This Inca Site Was Three Times Larger & Is Rarely Visited

While the resort at Huacachina is mostly intended for local families, it has become more and more popular for international tourists. Tourists are drawn not only by the stunning oasis but also by sand boarding on the surrounding sand dunes. These sand dunes can reach heights of as much as 1,600 feet or 500 meters.

Flying is not an option to get to Huacachina (there is no airport at Ica) so the main public transportation there is by bus. Tourists can choose the 5-hour-long public bus or the more comfortable Peru Hop bus . Peru Hop is the only bus company offering buses directly from Lima to Huacachina.

Sandboarding & Riding Dune Buggies At Huacachina

The top activity to enjoy at Huacachina is sandboarding on the famous dunes rising around the oasis. Tourists ride the dunes in dune buggies driven by experienced local guides. The sand dunes here feel never-ending.

Sandboarding is thrilling and exciting and much cheaper than snowboarding (a comparable yet far-flung destination for sandboarding is Ninety Mile Beach in New Zealand ).

  • Activities: Sandboarding, Riding Dune Buggies, Bathing In The Oasis & Mud

Visitors exploring the sand dunes can expect the sand to get everywhere and to get a face full of sand, but to hear travelers tell it, it's worth it!

Sandboarding & Buggy Tours At Huacachina :

  • Duration: 2 Hours
  • Season: Year Round
  • Start Times: 10:00 am and 4:00 pm
  • Cost: From $19 USD

One of the great aspects of sandboarding is that it is suitable for all skill levels from beginners to experts. Beginners ride the sandboards down the dunes on their stomachs, while the pros show off riding the sandboards like snowboards.

The other top activity is taking dune buggy rides (these buggies are locally called ' areneros '). Some tours combine these two activities with a mix of dune buggy riding and sandboarding. The best time to take the tour is at 4:00 pm so that they can enjoy sandboarding as the sun sets.

Apart from the oasis of Huacachina, the area around Ica is famous for its vineyards and pisco. Pisco is the national drink of Peru and is an alcoholic cocktail.

Pisco is used as the base liquor to which lime juice, simple syrup, ice, egg white, and Angostura bitters are added. It is a very refreshing drink that many tourists love to try while exploring Ica, the home of pisco.

Related: This Lost City In The Andean Mountains Existed Long Before The Inca & Machu Picchu

Local Legends About The Formation Of The Hucachina Oasis

The oasis has its own legend. The legend says that it was created by a beautiful native princess who came and underdressed to bathe. Looking into the mirror, she saw a male hunter approaching from behind. The startled princess then fled but left behind her mirror that then turned into the lake.

Like many legends, there are more versions than one of the story. Another version states that the princess fled the pool of water she was bathing in that then became a lagoon and the folds and then the folds of the mantle she had that streaming behind her became the sand dunes that dominate the area. It is said that the princess still lives in the oasis as a mermaid.

Yet another story says that the lake is formed from the tears of a young woman mourning the death of her beloved (a young warrior). When another warrior saw her, she jumped into the lake of her own tears and became a mermaid.

Legends aside, the oasis lake has been formed from the seepage of water from underground aquifers. Modern well-drilling started to threaten the oasis and since 2015 water has been pumped to replenish the water, keeping the site beautiful for residents and visitors alike.

Huacachina: Visit The Most Stunning Oasis In Peru

IMAGES

  1. Tour a Full Day Ica

    tours ica huacachina

  2. Tour: Full day Ica- Huacachina

    tours ica huacachina

  3. Laguna Huacachina en Ica

    tours ica huacachina

  4. Laguna Huacachina en Ica

    tours ica huacachina

  5. TOUR PARACAS ICA HUACACHINA

    tours ica huacachina

  6. The Huacachina Oasis in Ica Peru

    tours ica huacachina

COMMENTS

  1. Huacachina Tours

    Huacachina Tours offers tours in Ica City, Dune buggy Tours, Camping on Ica Desert, Romantic Dinner in Ica desert, Ballestas Island Tour, Nazca Lines +51 942401695; [email protected]; TOURS. Ica Tours ... Huacachina Tours offer a personalized service, with the best options and prices that suit your needs and committed since 1995 to ...

  2. THE 10 BEST Huacachina Tours & Excursions

    per adult. 19. Nazca Lines and Dune Buggy (Huacachina) from Ica. 37. Historical Tours. 11-12 hours. The Nazca Lines are a unique place in the world, full of mystery and mysticism, wonderful strokes of immense figures and…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 100% of travelers.

  3. Huacachina Tours

    Huacachina Tours se especializa en tours en el Desierto de Ica, ofrecemos Paseos en Tubulares, Cenas en el Desierto, Campamento en el Desierto de Ica +51 942401695; [email protected]; TOURS. Tours en Ica ... Huacachina Tours ofrecemos un servicio personalizado, con las mejores opciones y precios que se acomoden a sus necesidades y ...

  4. Ica Small-Group Nazca Lines and Huacachina Tour 2024

    Transfer to the bus station or to the hotel in Ica, at the end of the tour. Group transport Ica/Nasca/Huacachina/Ica. Tourist ticket "Nasca Lines" S/47.00 soles x Pax + Airport Tax $10USD x Pax. Food and drinks. Tourist tax to the Huacachina desert S/3.60 soles per person.

  5. Ica Tours

    Ica, known for its warm climate, is located on the southern coast of Peru in a desert area, land of grapes and the most precious wines produced in the country, as well as being the main producer of our grape brandy known as Pisco. ... Huacachina Tours offer a personalized service, with the best options and prices that suit your needs and ...

  6. Huacachina Tours

    Huacachina Tours was founded on 1995, we provide tours around Ica, Paracas and Nazca City. Quality and professional service are very important to us in order to provide the best experience to our passengers. We recommend the Glamping and dinner experience on the desert of Huacachina in Ica with @dunacamp, Dune Buggy ride with our Land Cruiser ...

  7. Huacachina Tours

    We offer tours in Huacachina, tours in Ica, and tours in Paracas, in which you will enjoy a variety of really nice tours and excursions like Desert Camping, Sandboarding, Dune Buggy Rides, Virgin Ica Beach Trip, Countryside Winery Tour, Ballestas Islands Tour, Paleontology Tour in the Ocucaje Desert, and others.

  8. Huacachina Tours

    Jul 26, 2024 - Huacachina Tours was founded on 1995, we provide tours around Ica, Paracas and Nazca City. Quality and professional service are very important to us in order to provide the best experience to our p...

  9. Full day Paracas Ica Huacachina from Lima 2024

    Our tour, unlike others, connects you with the past and present. We begin in Paracas, where you will be dazzled by coastal views, spot exotic birds, and explore the Ballestas Islands. Then, Ica will captivate you with its famous pisco wineries and the opportunity to slide down the majestic dunes on an exciting buggy ride. Finally, immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Huacachina, an ...

  10. Paracas Islands & Oasis of Huacachina in Ica Full Day Tour

    The Paracas Islands & Oasis of Huacachina in Ica Full Day Tour invites adventurers to explore a captivating blend of coastal and desert wonders. Travelers set sail to the Ballestas Islands, where playful sea lions bask in the sun and vibrant seabirds fill the skies.The journey then transitions to the serene Huacachina Oasis, renowned for its stunning dunes and thrilling buggy rides.

  11. Ica Full Day Tour

    The Ica Full Day tour from Lima allows you to discover the main tourist attractions of the Ica region, such as: Paracas, the Ballestas Islands and the Huacachina oasis. The tour lasts 16 hours. The starting and ending point of the tour is in the city of Lima. Thus the tourist saves time, which is ideal for visitors with little time available in ...

  12. The BEST Huacachina Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    The best tours to do in Huacachina with kids are: From Lima: Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina Day Tour. From Paracas: Ballestas Island Cruise & Paracas Reserve Tour. From Lima: Full-Day Tour of Islas Ballestas and Huacachina. From Huacachina: Ballestas Island and Paracas Reserve Tour.

  13. Huacachina Tour and Pisco Route in Ica Half Day

    The Huacachina and Pisco Route tour is the tour that every tourist should take when visiting Ica. The tour is only half a day (lasts 5 hours) and includes hotel pick-up, full transportation, professional guide, entrance fees, and more. The tourist will know one of the most beautiful landscapes of Peru. Optionally, you can practice adventure ...

  14. Lima to Paracas, Ica and Huacachina Small-Group Tour 2024

    The "Full Day Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina from Lima All Included" tour was exceptional. The well-organized early morning departure led to a smooth drive to Paracas, where we enjoyed a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, spotting sea lions, penguins, and the Candelabra geoglyph. In Ica, we toured a winery with delightful wine and pisco tasting.

  15. Tour Paracas- Ica- Huacachina

    The tour itinerary for the Tour Paracas- Ica- Huacachina offers a thrilling and immersive experience through the stunning landscapes and attractions of Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina. The adventure begins with an early morning pickup at 4:30 AM from your hotel or a designated meeting point in the districts of San Isidro, Miraflores, or Barranco.

  16. Tour to Huacachina Oasis

    Embark on a thrilling adventure with our "Tour to Huacachina Oasis" from Lima, starting with door-to-door service at 7:30 am. Discover the oasis, indulge in Pisco tastings, explore the Ica Museum, and conquer the sand dunes with dune buggy rides and sandboarding. Experience the best of Peru's desert wonders, all in one unforgettable day ...

  17. Nazca Lines Flight and Huacachina: Small-Group Tour from Lima 2024

    Exclusive Paracas, Vineyard and Huacachina Sunset Tour, Epic Day! 511. from $135.00. Lima, Peru. Unique Tour to Paracas, Huacachina, and Sunset at the Oasis. 297. from $80.00. ... The dunes and oasis near Ica are also amazing and worth the time invested! Response from Host, Aug 2024. Hello! Thank you very much for sharing your comment about ...

  18. Full Day Ica and Huacachina

    Day 1. Ica Tour: Wineries and Vineyards, Tubulares, Huacachina Lagoon, Tubulares. Pick up from the bus station or door of your hotel to start the Ica and Huacachina Tour. 10.00 hrs. Beginning of the Vineyards Tour in Ica. Hacienda Tacama: we will be able to learn about the wine and Pisco elaboration process of this old Hacienda.

  19. Tours en Ica

    Tours. Ica, conocida por su cálido clima está localizada en la costa sur del Perú en una zona desértica, tierra de uvas y de los más preciados vinos que se producen en el país, además de ser la principal productora de nuestro aguardiente de uva conocida como Pisco. Visite La Ruta del Pisco y experimente junto a las bodegas vitivinícolas ...

  20. From Lima: Full Day Tour Paracas, Ica, and Huacachina

    The day kicks off with a 5:30 am departure to Paracas, followed by a fascinating tour of the Ballestas Islands at 9:30 am. Afterward, the adventure continues with a visit to Ica at 11:30 am and an arrival at the Huacachina Oasis by 12:30 pm. Don't miss the Nietto Winery excursion at 1:30 pm for an exclusive Pisco and wine tasting experience.

  21. From Ica or Huacachina: Wine and Pisco Vineyards Tour

    Start with pickup from Ica or Huacachina. Head to your first stop, the Tacama vineyard, considered one of the oldest ones in South America and first in Peru, established in the 16th century. Visit the old hacienda and tower where you will get the best view and see acres of grapes. Then you will visit the old and new factory and see how Tacama ...

  22. 2 Days Paracas

    Explore the natural attractions of Peru on this 2-day guided tour. First visit Paracas National Reserve, which is filled with diverse wildlife, then head to Huacachina, a desert oasis west of the city of Ica, where you'll be able to try sandboarding and ride buggies across the dunes. The tour also includes a flight over the Nazca Lines, geoglyphs etched into the desert.

  23. Huacachina: Visit The Most Stunning Oasis In Peru

    The best time to take the tour is at 4:00 pm so that they can enjoy sandboarding as the sun sets. Apart from the oasis of Huacachina, the area around Ica is famous for its vineyards and pisco ...

  24. Paracas, Huacachina and Ballestas Islands Tour from Lima 2024

    Don't let limited time in Lima stop you visiting Huacachina and Paracas. See the desert oasis and natural hotspots on a full-day tour, ideal for travelers short on time. After traveling to Paracas, you'll embark on a boat tour of the Ballestas Islands, regularly compared to the Galapagos Island, to see colonies of sea lions and seals. Then, explore Huacachina desert in a dune buggy and go ...